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Tuesday, Jun 10, 2003 |
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Posted on June 08, 2003 Domestic violence: Some lawmakers fail to recognize seriousness of this crime
For just a moment, I thought I had been transported backward in time from 2003 to 1953! Listening to the House Judiciary Committee discuss the Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 2003, I was deeply concerned, albeit appalled, in regard to comments made by several of our representatives. Specifically, they were discussing the section of the bill that would elevate the crime of criminal domestic violence, high and aggravated, to that of a felony offense. Here are several direct quotes from members of the committee: "I have a real problem making this crime a felony. After all, domestic violence is just a spat between partners … . Ya'll know that tempers flare in domestic disputes, and then we will have criminalized an outburst." Another said, "I have served as a magistrate in this state, and I am pretty familiar with domestic violence. … I don't think you ought to be considered a felon." It is difficult to explain these comments except to attribute them to ignorance or to a way of thinking that has long since disappeared in many places. I do not believe that the families of this state are well served by minimizing and vastly underestimating the devastation caused by domestic violence. Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions in South Carolina. Women are dying at the hands of abusive men at a rate higher than only two other states -- Arkansas and Mississippi. South Carolina ranks third in the nation for numbers of women killed by men. Although it may begin with less lethal behavior such as slapping and pushing, research results tell us that, without effective intervention, domestic violence inevitably escalates over time to produce serious injury and death. Every woman killed by an abusive partner in South Carolina last year had a history of domestic violence. These women may be alive today if, in the early stages of the relationship, the batterer had been held accountable. Consider the following: • Law enforcement officers reported nearly 35,000 incidents of domestic violence in 2000. • Domestic violence shelters in South Carolina provided safe space and a myriad of other services to more than 15,000 women and children seeking shelter from the abuse in 2002. Nationally, the facts are grim: • A woman is battered every nine seconds in the United States. • Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States, more than automobile accidents, rapes and muggings combined. • Domestic violence dramatically affects the workplace, as it is the leading cause of death for women at work. • In a recent survey of Fortune 1000 companies' CEOs, 49 percent said that domestic violence has a harmful effect on productivity, 47 percent said that it seriously affects attendance, and 44 percent said that it increases insurance and medical costs. Believe me when I say that domestic violence is anything but a "spat between partners." It is a serious and dangerous crime wreaking havoc on the families of this state. The children in homes where domestic violence is occurring are frightened and traumatized. Witnessing violence has an extremely negative effect on them. More statistics: • Children of abused women are six times more likely to commit suicide than other children. • Children of abused women are 50 percent more likely to abuse drugs as adolescents. Tragically, the children in these violent homes are very likely to repeat these behaviors as adults. By not acting effectively to address domestic violence, we guarantee ourselves future generations of abusers and victims. Domestic violence is the root cause of many of society's ills. Consider the cost: Businesses forfeit $100 million in sick leave, absenteeism and nonproductivity, and 75 percent of battered women use company time to call doctors, lawyers, shelters and family. Tragically, 50 percent of battered women lose their jobs due to harassment on the job. Domestic violence-related medical costs exceed $50 billion. Criminal domestic violence, high and aggravated, can only be classified this way if serious injury has been inflicted on the victim. Surely our legislators should be the first to understand that this should be seen as a violent act and treat it as such -- not a misdemeanor. There are many ways in which we can improve the plight of those suffering at the hands of abusers. Changing the distorted thinking that minimizes and denies the severity of this injurious crime is the beginning of a better response. I would recommend that all of the members of the S.C. House Judiciary Committee investigate the reality of domestic violence and act accordingly. A clear and undeniable message must be sent to the perpetrators of this crime. That is: Domestic violence will not be tolerated in this state, and we will hold perpetrators accountable by ensuring appropriate consequences. The families of this state deserve no less. Vicki Bourus is executive director of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. |
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